George's Back Pocket is a band that has included dozens of different line-ups over the years; featuring talented musicians just crazy enough to follow George onstage...Depending on the band's make-up, they may sound like a folk band, a rock band, a jam band, or all of those and more. George's originals draw from all parts of the Americana genre, and the band covers everyone from Matchbox 20 to Paul Simon, John Prine to Phish, and Bruce Springsteen to Wilco.
"George’s shows are a high-wire act. You really don’t know what you’re in for, but you know it’s going to be fun." - Phil Henry
George’s Back Pocket - Long form
The band, George’s Back Pocket was formed after the successful, but over-the-top launch, of George Nostrand’s first album, Radio Songs. Originally slated as a solo project, once Nostrand got into the studio, he couldn’t refrain from inviting friends and the local musicians he looked up to, to join in the fun. The result was 20 guest musicians on a solo project.
While this clearly enhanced the album, it presented some difficulties when releasing the album. Nostrand did not have a band, and his songs were split between folk/Americana and songs featuring a rock band line-up. So, he pulled together not one, but two bands for his CD release party and then attempted to take the same show out on the road.
At their next show, there were once again two sets with two different line-ups - 10 musicians in total - and despite selling out the room, Nostrand lost money on the show. Two of his bandmates came to his aid, and the band became a trio. Despite the fun they had and the fact that they didn’t have to split the money ten ways, Nostrand just couldn’t help himself and started adding musicians to the line-up again. Rather than the pocket referring to the tight back-beat groove, George took it to mean as many people as he could fit in his back pocket…
George's Back Pocket has been playing venues, events, festivals and other random places for around 15 years. George released an album with the band in 2011 and is slated to return to the studio soon. Please take a minute to look over other pages on this site if you have not already. Thanks, G
The band, George’s Back Pocket was formed after the successful, but over-the-top launch, of George Nostrand’s first album, Radio Songs. Originally slated as a solo project, once Nostrand got into the studio, he couldn’t refrain from inviting friends and the local musicians he looked up to, to join in the fun. The result was 20 guest musicians on a solo project.
While this clearly enhanced the album, it presented some difficulties when releasing the album. Nostrand did not have a band, and his songs were split between folk/Americana and songs featuring a rock band line-up. So, he pulled together not one, but two bands for his CD release party and then attempted to take the same show out on the road.
At their next show, there were once again two sets with two different line-ups - 10 musicians in total - and despite selling out the room, Nostrand lost money on the show. Two of his bandmates came to his aid, and the band became a trio. Despite the fun they had and the fact that they didn’t have to split the money ten ways, Nostrand just couldn’t help himself and started adding musicians to the line-up again. Rather than the pocket referring to the tight back-beat groove, George took it to mean as many people as he could fit in his back pocket…
George's Back Pocket has been playing venues, events, festivals and other random places for around 15 years. George released an album with the band in 2011 and is slated to return to the studio soon. Please take a minute to look over other pages on this site if you have not already. Thanks, G